Willaert, Adriaan

views updated

Willaert, Adriaan (b Bruges or Roulaers, c.1490; d Venice, 1562). Flemish composer. Went to Rome 1515 and was then in service of cardinal at Ferrara until 1520, having visited Hungary 1517–19 with his employer. Appointed choirmaster, St Mark's, Venice, 1527. Founded singing sch. there and established the foundations of the ‘Venetian School’ of which he was a major figure. One of first madrigal composers. Wrote much church mus., some of it for double ch. (because of 2 orgs. and 2 choirs at St Mark's), his motets being his finest works.

More From encyclopedia.com